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Same here, have both but only use the chop saw on something real quick and if it doesnt need to fit perfect. Sometimes the chop saw will not cut straight on a piece of pipe where the band saw does. by band saw I mean a horizontal model. Both work good depending on what you want. Good luck

An abrasive saw has it's place in the shop too crib. I use mine for it's portability
and when the cut quality is not important. When I just need to "chop" a piece in two. I find that blade wander is an issue with abrasive saws. Not so in a well tuned band saw.

The band saw is used, by me for most all cutting of material. I find mine is accurate, quick, reliable, and in making repeated cuts nothing is better. I also like that I can set up a cut and go back to another project, thus allowing more production.
I like that when cutting stainless I no longer end up with discolored material.

my preference

I like the band saw for doing multiple cuts, straightness of cut, and the ability to do other things when cutting, but out in the field I will take the chop saw for the portability. Portaband when it's convient or I'm too lazy to go to the other saws. It all depends on what the job is and size of the material, chop saw is definatly easier to transport and usally quicker, band saw gives a better cut but takes more time to cut, and port a band takes some skill and patients for a straight cut. Dave

If necessity is the Mother of Invention, I must be the Father of Desperation!

Another idea to toss at ya as well would be this in a regular chop saw....http://www.bulletindustries.com/cata...roducts_id/449
as far as "first cutting tool" do you have a grinder yet.....if not get one and some cut off wheels for it as well......I started with this and then moved to a jig saw......then added a saws all........I have a port band saw as well it is slow and is very easy to put too much pressure on it and away goes the squareness of the cut......I like my chop saw and am working on my O/A set up....just need tanks......
Good luck,
Mike

Wondering how these work in regular a chop saw designed for regular friction abrasive?? I am liking the price

I would imagine the teeth would not last very long at the speeds an abrasive saw turns. 14 inch Abrasive saws turn at 3800 rpm compared to 1490 for Carbide tipped blades. These speeds are from the Hitachi Site, but other brands would have similar speeds. The heat would kill them fast....Paul

I'm hoping those recommendations are for a carbide blade that is designed for the speeds of abrasive saws. I did hear that there is a recent line of these products. But if they aren't, I'd be more worried about other things than the teeth on the blade.

I had actually missed the OP about PORTABLE band saw v. chop saw. If these are the choices, the chop saw is better for most fabrication. Portabands are fairly specialized and more difficult to use accurately. Of course, there are many times when they are the perfect tool for the job; I'll take one over a sawzall anytime it will fit if I'm cutting vertically.